The Orangery, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Most of this meal was good, really tasty in fact but all massively let down by the main course (steak) which was so overdone it really soured the rest of the meal. Service all night was excellent and everyone played their part very well in making it an excellent experience. Owen especially was brilliant both in the evening and at breakfast the next morning. Both myself and my partner ordered the steak dish for the main course we were doing the 3 course a la carte as part of a dinner bed and breakfast deal and were both massively disappointed with it. At point of ordering the waitress checked that we were both happy with the meat being cooked medium rare which is exactly how we like it so all good. What we actually got was well done and not a drop of pink anywhere near it. We were there for my partners birthday and she asked that i didn 't make a fuss about it or say anything as she is far too considerate about others for her own good sometimes! So yes, i could have said something about it and given the kitchen the chance to rectify the issue but what really infuriates me about this sort of thing in this sort of restaurant is that the chef has made the decision to send that dish out completely over done. Everything is checked and they 've basically gone meh, i don 't really care about my diners experience or the money they 've paid and sent it out anyway. That to me is really really poor. As mentioned the other food was really tasty and well presented.

The cooked breakfast was ok but the buffet was disappointing, there wasn't much choice and situated on a small round table in the middle of the room.

I don’t know where to start but have to say this is the worst service for a 5 star hotel and restaurant we have ever experienced. We have been here on 3 other occasions and never had such a bad experience. Over 1 hour to receive our first drink in the restaurant and then to ask the manager what is happening he says sorry and then 30 mins later we get our drink. 2 hours later we get our 3rd course of the tasting menu. Unbelievable!!The manager was so in helpful and just couldn’t explain which made it even more difficult.The Rockliffe Orangery is obviously struggling with keeping up with the standards and too many covers being booked.Very disappointing and won’t be back sadly!!

The three of us enjoyed a lovely breakfast but the only problem was the staff took a long time to take our order then a long time to bring it.But with that said when the food did come it was worth it. They catered well to my dietary requirements and I didn’t feel I was missing out at all.Staff were all very nice.

Gary Duffy Head Chef, Derek David Sommeliers, the rest of the Orangery team , Robin in the Spa, Manson on concierge, thank you for making our weekend truly memorable and wonderful You people should be really proud of the way you treat your guests, it makes all the difference.We massively enjoyed the varied tasting menus on both our evenings but have to say, the wine pairing does make a big difference.We chose our wine first night and although excellent, it did not accentuate the taste of the food.Put your trust in Derek and David,they will make your meal a real event.Rockcliffe is 5 Star luxury, it takes a lot of money to run an establishment like it, so don’t be surprised at what you are asked to pay for the privilege.It’s not as if you’re going to go every month unless you play for Boro !Steve Gibson has created a wonderful country experience and he’s to be congratulated for it.Thank you one and all, we will be back.